Saxmundham, British, Traditional Restaurant Guide

“There’s a buzz about this place” – an old smugglers’ inn on the Suffolk coast that’s “very popular” with locals but also “convenient when holidaying in the Dunwich area and a bonus for a last dinner before the homeward journey”. Now part of East Anglia’s Chestnut Group, it turns out “super” locally sourced food, combining trad pub classics with more foodie-oriented options (plus the “child menu offers proper food”). In addition to the characterful bar there’s a small dining room, airy conservatory and – of more recent ilk – a “promising” new garden service.

This 16th-century hotel on the market place and a short hop from the sea was acquired by Ernest and George Adnams back in 1872, the same year they founded their famous brewery. Still part of the family, the ancient venue does tend to split opinion these days, with fans claiming it “continues to improve”, and cynics – reciting a perennial gripe – that it’s “still struggling after the refurb” that fancified it in 2017. In any event, the bar (aka Tap Room) still offers “reasonable” prices though arguably “the best offering here is morning coffee or afternoon tea in their comfy lounge”.